Why the Negev is a Game-Changer in Counter-Strike

The Negev is a unique and powerful machine gun in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2. With its immense firepower and suppressive capabilities, it has carved a niche among players despite its unconventional handling and role. This article delves into everything you need to know about the Negev in Counter-Strike, covering its overview, properties, tactics, update history, achievements, bugs, and trivia.

Brrrrrr. The extremely high-skilled weapon returns in CS2. Credit: Valve

Overview of the Negev Machine Gun

The Negev, a light machine gun developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI), is designed for suppressive fire and is available to both the Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist sides in Counter-Strike.

Unlike most weapons in the game, the Negev has a unique recoil pattern that allows for sustained fire accuracy after an initial burst of shots. This property makes it a formidable tool in the hands of players who understand its mechanics.

In Counter-Strike, the Negev's role is primarily defensive, designed to hold down key positions and deter enemy advances. It is equipped with a 150-round magazine, making it ideal for laying down suppressive fire over extended periods.

However, its initial inaccuracy and the heavy movement penalty while firing require players to master its handling before fully realizing its potential in a match.

Properties of the Negev

The Negev in Counter-Strike is distinct due to its combination of a high rate of fire and a large magazine capacity. These properties make it a strong contender for suppressing enemy movement, particularly in chokepoints where prolonged firefights occur.

The Negev's damage output is considerable, dealing 99 damage on a headshot against armored opponents at close range. However, unlike the M249, it cannot secure a one-shot kill on a headshot against armored enemies. This slight disadvantage is compensated by its ability to deliver a sustained barrage of bullets, making it easier to finish off opponents who are caught in its line of fire.

Accuracy and Recoil: One of the most defining characteristics of the Negev in Counter-Strike is its recoil pattern. For the first few shots, the Negev is highly inaccurate, making it unsuitable for burst firing. However, after the initial 10 shots, the recoil stabilizes, allowing for very accurate continuous fire. This unique feature makes the Negev ideal for suppressing enemies rather than for precise, short engagements.

Movement Penalty: Another critical aspect of the Negev's properties is the movement penalty it imposes. When firing, players experience a significant reduction in movement speed, the highest of any weapon in Counter-Strike. This penalty forces players to be strategic about when and where to deploy the Negev, as moving while firing can leave them vulnerable.

Tactics for Using the Negev

The Negev's primary function in Counter-Strike is to serve as a tool for area denial. Its ability to lay down continuous fire makes it an excellent choice for defending bomb sites or key map locations where preventing enemy advances is crucial.

Defensive Role: On the Counter-Terrorist side, the Negev is particularly effective in Bomb Defusal scenarios. A well-placed Negev can cover chokepoints like B tunnels on Dust 2, making it nearly impossible for the enemy to rush without sustaining heavy casualties. The large magazine allows for prolonged suppression, keeping enemies at bay while teammates reposition or rotate.

Suppressive Fire: In Hostage Rescue scenarios, the Negev's suppressive capabilities shine as it can prevent the enemy from making aggressive plays to recover hostages. The weapon's ability to fire continuously with minimal recoil after the first few shots makes it ideal for controlling large areas and forcing the enemy to reconsider their approach.

Team Strategies: The Negev is also effective in team-based strategies where multiple players equip the weapon. A coordinated team of Negev users can cover large areas with suppressive fire, making it extremely difficult for the enemy to advance. The Negev's affordability compared to other weapons like the AK-47 means that teams can opt for a glass cannon strategy, combining the Negev with basic utility to dominate key areas of the map.

Handling Mobility: Despite its advantages, the Negev's movement penalty requires players to be mindful of their positioning. It is essential to switch to a sidearm or knife when relocating to avoid being caught off guard by faster-moving opponents. This tactic ensures that players maintain mobility while still being ready to deploy the Negev when needed.

Update History of the Negev

The Negev has undergone several updates in Counter-Strike that have shaped its current state. These changes have influenced its pricing, accuracy, and overall role in the game.

March 24, 2017 Update: This update temporarily removed the Negev from Competitive Matchmaking as it underwent substantial revisions. The weapon was reintroduced with a significantly reduced price and new attributes designed to promote its role as a suppressive fire weapon.

April 12, 2017 Update: The Negev was made available again in Competitive Matchmaking, and its price was further reduced to encourage experimentation. This update also introduced new sounds that dynamically indicate the weapon's accuracy, enhancing its tactical feedback for players.

March 22, 2018 Update: The most significant update to the Negev came with improvements to its accuracy while firing in bursts and a slight reduction in time until significant accuracy recovery. These changes solidified the Negev's role as a suppressive tool with high sustained fire accuracy.

Achievements Related to the Negev

Players who enjoy using the Negev in Counter-Strike can earn the "Negev Expert" achievement by killing 100 enemies with the weapon. This achievement highlights the Negev's potential when mastered and encourages players to invest time in learning its unique mechanics.

Bugs and Quirks of the Negev

The Negev in Counter-Strike is not without its quirks. One notable bug is that players move faster while carrying a hostage and wielding the Negev, a trait shared with the M249. Additionally, the Negev's draw animation changes when the player runs out of reserve ammo, with the cocking motion being removed, adding an odd visual inconsistency to the game.

Negev Trivia and Fun Facts

The Negev has an interesting history in Counter-Strike. It was initially the most expensive weapon in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, priced at $5700 before being reduced to $1700 following several updates. This drastic price drop has made the Negev a more accessible option for players looking to experiment with different playstyles.

Another fun fact is that the Negev was given the nickname "Laser Beam" after its 2017 rework, due to its highly accurate sustained fire. The recoil mechanics introduced in the March 24, 2017 update were similar to those planned for the M60 during the development of Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.

Conclusion

The Negev machine gun in Counter-Strike is a unique weapon with distinct characteristics that set it apart from other firearms in the game. Its role as a suppressive tool, combined with its high rate of fire and large magazine capacity, makes it a formidable option for players who master its handling.

Despite its initial inaccuracy and movement penalty, the Negev can be a game-changing weapon when used strategically. Whether you're looking to hold down a bomb site or intimidate the enemy with continuous fire, the Negev offers a thrilling and rewarding experience in Counter-Strike.

By understanding the Negev's properties, tactics, and history, players can fully harness its power and dominate their opponents in Counter-Strike.

Credit: Valve

Read More:

IEM Cologne 2024 Tourist Guide: What to do in Cologne?

IEM Cologne 2024 Play-in: Who will make it to the group stage?